(HARRISBURG, Pa. – 6/27/19) The Pennsylvania Medical Society released its list of this year’s Top Physicians Under 40.

Winners were nominated by colleagues and ultimately selected by a statewide committee of Pennsylvania Medical Society members. To appear on the list, physicians must practice in Pennsylvania and be under the age of 40 on Dec. 31, 2019.

The 42 physicians on the 2019 list represent 19 different medical specialties and live in 19 different cities. Photos of the recipients are available a www.pamedsoc.org/newsroom/Top40.

Akram Alashari, MD, Scranton

Dr. Alashari is a trauma surgeon with Geisinger Community Medical Center. He started an initiative which led to his organization’s patient satisfaction scores being in the top ten percent of improvement in the country. He is a leader who is committed to holding the highest standards for patient care.

Timothy Brown, MD, PhD, Harrisburg

A urologist with Urology of Central Pennsylvania, Dr. Brown is dedicated to educating his patients on their treatment options. He has spoken at area senior centers and makes himself available to speak for professional organizations about urologic health. Dr. Brown promotes the importance of early detection and screening and has participated in free screening events at his office and within his community.

Leah Campbell, DO, Erie

Dr. Campbell is a family physician with Millcreek Family Practice, part of Allegheny Health Network. She is becoming known in her community as an exemplary primary care doctor who places her patient’s needs first. Colleagues view her as a role model and a thoughtful, compassionate physician.

Anna Marie Chang, MD, Philadelphia

Dr. Chang serves as director of clinical research for Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Emergency Medicine. She has been instrumental in securing research grants for her department. Each year, Dr. Chang mentors approximately 60 premedical students through a volunteer program offering hands-on clinical research experience. She is known for her expertise on acute cardiovascular disease and lectures on the topic.

David Clements IV, MD, Philadelphia

Dr. Clements is a psychiatrist and owner of Southeastern Executive Health. He completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry from the University of Pennsylvania, and currently works in his private practice, The Malvern Institute, and Adolescent Advocates. He is recognized by colleagues for his compassionate care and innovative approaches to the treatment, specifically, his expertise in the field of addiction. Dr. Clements is dedicated to using the latest evidence-based treatments to battle Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic.

Elizabeth Cottrill, MD, Philadelphia

An otolaryngologist with Jefferson Health, Dr. Cottrill stands out for her leadership and her ability to inspire her colleagues. She is establishing herself as a leader in the treatment of complex thyroid diseases. Dr. Cottrill also serves as a role model and mentor for Jefferson’s medical students and residents. She has organized several Women in Otolaryngology events that brought together several universities in the Philadelphia region.

Jay Deimel, MD, Erie

Dr. Deimel is an orthopedic surgeon with Allegheny Health Network’s Saint Vincent Orthopaedic Institute. He serves as director of sports medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital. Dr. Deimel is also a clinical instructor in at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program, where is a role model to residents and fellows. He is seen by colleagues as a physician who places patients first.

Michael Desiderio, DO, Williamsport

Dr. Desiderio is a cardiologist with UPMC Susquehanna. He has been involved with improving the care of noninvasive patients in his practice and imaging department. Dr. Desiderio goes the extra mile for both patients and colleagues and spends time teaching the medical students, residents, and technologists in his practice. He seeks out research opportunities that have the potential to expand care for his cardiac patients.

Peter Din, DO, Erie

A resident with the Saint Vincent Family Practice Residency Program, Dr. Din has become a leader in his community during his short time in Erie. He has taken on leadership roles in his residency program and will begin serving as chief resident. Dr. Din is recognized by colleagues for his dedication to patient care.

Alex Dressler, MD, Pittsburgh

Dr. Dressler is a pain medicine fellow at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). He has published several articles and book chapters in the field of chronic pain. Dr. Dressler is involved with using social media for inter-institutional collaborations that lead to better care. Within his health system, he had made efforts to use patient-reported outcomes as a tool to provide higher quality care.

Joshua Dunklebarger, MD, Chambersburg

Dr. Dunklebarger is an otolaryngologist with Summit ENT and Hearing Services, part of WellSpan Health. He was named chairman of surgery for his health system in 2018 and serves on the Hospital Board of Directors. Dr. Dunklebarger has led Facebook Live educational live events for his organization. He is known in his community both for his clinical skill and for his willingness to go the extra mile for patients and colleagues.

Trent Emerick, MD, MBA, Pittsburgh

Dr. Emerick is an anesthesiologist specializing in pain medicine with UPMC. He is the director of quality improvement and innovation, chronic pain division. Dr. Emerick is a resource for colleagues in the areas of abdominal, craniofacial, and back pain. He is also the co-associate program director for the University of Pittsburgh’s Pain Medicine Fellowship and serves as a role model for physicians in training.

Andra Fee-Mulhearn, DO, MPH, Meadville

A pulmonologist with Meadville Medical Center and Pulmonary Associates of Meadville, Dr. Fee-Mulhearn is described by colleagues as a dedicated and dynamic physician. She is active in engaging younger physicians in leadership and medical staff involvement. Dr. Fee-Mulhearn has taken on leadership roles within her organization and is involved with numerous medical staff committees. She volunteers in her community as a coach.

Brian Frank, MD, Scranton

Dr. Frank is a trauma and critical care surgeon with Geisinger Community Medical Center. He serves as a faculty member at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Frank is involved with numerous performance/quality improvement initiatives for his organization. Within his community, he is an advocate for the “Stop the Bleed” public health campaign which offers education on bleeding control techniques.

Hitesh Gidwani, MD, Erie

Dr. Gidwani is a pulmonologist with Chest Diseases Hillside, part of Allegheny Health Network. He is involved with educating residents at Saint Vincent Hospital on the topic of ICU care, helping to ensure the next generation of physicians have the skills to care for critically ill patients. Dr. Gidwani makes himself available to medical staff and is always willing to offer his perspective as an intensivist.

Andrea Heller, DO, Coudersport

Dr. Heller is a family medicine and palliative care physician with UPMC Cole. Fellowship-trained in palliative care, she serves as UPMC Cole’s medical director for home health, hospice, and palliative care. Dr. Heller is active in educating her community regarding end-of-life care and decision making. Her colleagues view her as a compassionate physician who works closely with patients to help them make health care decisions.

Scott Heyl, MD, Pittsburgh

Dr. Heyl is a family medicine physician with Heyl Family Practice, part of Genesis Medical Associates. In addition to providing care at his practice, he also rounds on his own patients in the hospital setting and cares for patients at two local skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Heyl’s involvement with his organization’s population health initiatives has led to improved cancer screening rates, better depression screening rates, and increased patient access. He is a board director and secretary for Genesis, in addition to being the e-record medical director for UPMC Passavant hospital.

Daniel Hornyak, MD, MBA, York

An emergency physician, Dr. Hornyak is chairman of emergency medicine and Chest Pain Center director for UPMC Pinnacle Memorial. As president of the York County Medical Society, Dr. Hornyak is dedicated to ensuring that his colleagues have strong organizational support. He has also served as an instructor for the American Academy of Emergency Medicine’s oral board review courses.

Angela Huggler, MD, Williamsport

Dr. Huggler, an OB/GYN with UPMC Susquehanna, serves in numerous leadership roles at Williamsport Regional Medical Center and has led successful efforts to expand health services for women in her community. She played an instrumental part in helping her organization establish the use of minimally invasive gynecology and robotic surgery. Dr. Huggler is actively involved in her community and participates in health education seminars.

Jagdeep Kaur, MD, Chambersburg

Dr. Kaur, a psychiatrist with Keystone Health, is fellowship trained in addiction psychiatry. She serves as clinical director for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder at Keystone Health. Dr. Kaur is actively involved with her community, including by participating in the Franklin County Drug Taskforce. Her colleagues note her compassionate patient care for mental health and substance use disorder.

Jordan Kirsch, DO, York

Dr. Kirsch is a surgeon with WellSpan York Hospital’s Surgical Residency Program. In addition to his clinical duties, he has served the York Township Emergency Management Agency by helping to coordinate disaster response planning. He is involved with organized medicine as the resident representative on the York County Medical Society Board.

Conrad Krawiec, MD, Hershey

Dr. Krawiec, a physician with PennState Health, specializes in pediatric critical care. He is a dedicated educator and is the Pennsylvania College of Medicine’s pediatric clerkship director. Dr. Krawiec participates in quality improvement efforts such as the National Emergency Airway Registry for Children initiative to improve safety outcomes for tracheal intubations. He is also involved with educational programs on issues like pediatric obesity.

Tiffany Leonard, MD, Hatboro

Dr. Leonard is a family physician who recently started her own direct primary care practice, Deer View Family Medicine. She believes in empowering her patients to set personal health goals and take control of their wellness. Dr. Leonard has held several leadership roles within the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, including Resident and Student Affairs Committee chair.

Amy Maley, DO, Newville

A family medicine physician with Graham Medical Clinic, Dr. Maley is also fellowship trained in hospice and palliative medicine. She is passionate about finding solutions to public health issues such as the opioid crisis. Colleagues view her as a caring physician who works closely with patients to help them address challenges ranging from drug abuse to end-of-life issues.

Brian McGettigan, MD, Philadelphia

Dr. McGettigan is an otolaryngologist with Jefferson Health. He has been a key part of his health system’s efforts to create a high quality and uniform health care delivery system in the Delaware Valley. Dr. McGettigan serves as a faculty member at Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Nicholas Mulhearn, DO, Meadville

A pediatrician with Meadville Pediatrics, Dr. Mulhearn is an engaged and enthusiastic leader of his medical staff. He is dedicated to teaching residents and students. Dr. Mulhearn participates in outreach to promote health and wellness in children. He is also involved in the community as a youth coach.

Tejas Parikh, MD, Philadelphia

Dr. Parikh is an anesthesiologist affiliated with Albert Einstein Medical Center. He started a charitable foundation in honor of his mother who passed away three years ago. His foundation’s goal is to assist with unmet needs in women and children’s health. Dr. Parikh is the co-author of multiple case studies and research papers presented at conferences.

Umang Patel, DO, Langhorne

Dr. Patel is a hospitalist with Langhorne Internal Medicine and St. Mary Medical Center. He also serves as associate program director for the St. Mary Residency in Internal Medicine. He has developed a curriculum for residents that is designed to improve the learning process of future physicians. Colleagues view him as a dedicated physician who strives to help residents understand the importance of compassion and empathy in patient care.

Jyothi Patri, MD, Uniontown

Dr. Patri is a family medicine physician with Fayetteville Medical Associates, an affiliate of UPMC. She also serves as medical director for Fayette Hospice. Dr. Patri volunteers to precept both nurse practitioner students and medical students. She offers full spectrum family medicine to patients of all age groups and is dedicated to educating patients about healthy living.

Mohammed Ruzieh, MD, Hershey

Dr. Ruzieh serves as chief cardiovascular fellow at PennState Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He has published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and he presents at clinical meetings and symposiums. A native of Palestine, Dr. Ruzieh is an advisor for immigrant students and residents at the Penn State College of Medicine. He has volunteered with both the Bethesda Mission Clinic in Harrisburg, Pa and Doctors without Borders.

Kanika Shanker, MD, Chambersburg

Dr. Shanker is a fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologist with Summit Endocrinology, part of WellSpan Health. She also serves as clinical assistant professor with the Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Shanker’s compassionate care helps to ensure that children with newly diagnosed diabetes get prompt treatment. She provides ongoing diabetes and weight-related education to the nurses of various school districts in her community.

Mylaina Sherwood, MD, Cecil

Dr. Sherwood is a family medicine physician with Cecil Family Practice, an affiliate of Washington Health System. She provides care to a diverse patient population and offers services ranging from obstetrical care to addiction treatment. Dr. Sherwood is a member of the teaching faculty of Washington Health System’s Family Medicine Residency. She serves as treasurer of the Washington County Medical Society.

Kristy Shine, MD, PhD, Philadelphia

Dr. Shine serves as director of research at Jefferson Health Design Lab and as assistant professor of emergency medicine at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College. She uses her experience in medical engineering and physics to provide cutting-edge health design education to medical students. Dr. Shine is a lead researcher in efforts to develop Jefferson’s 3D Bioprinting Lab.

Kristin Simmons, MD, Wilkes-Barre

A family physician with Geisinger Wilkes Barre-Community Medicine, Dr. Simmons is becoming a leader in her health system. She serves as assistant program director for the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency Program in Wilkes-Barre. Dr. Simmons is a dedicated educator who encourages medical students to consider staying within the commonwealth to train and practice.

Meenakshi Singh, MD, Hershey

Dr. Singh is a neonatologist with PennState Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She also serves as assistant professor of neonatology. Dr. Singh has been appointed associate director of quality improvement in neonatal ICU at PennState Health Children’s Hospital. Among her projects is an initiative to reduce inpatient readmission of premature infants discharged from NICU. She is the recipient of numerous awards for exceptional patient care.

Megan Stobart-Gallagher, DO, Philadelphia

Dr. Stobart-Gallagher is an emergency physician who serves as assistant residency program director for Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. She received a heroism award from the Local 22 Philadelphia Firefighter’ and Paramedic Union for her role, in 2015, saving the life of a patient who became trapped under a train and required an emergency amputation. Dr. Stobart-Gallagher is involved with a public health initiative to provide free HIV testing.

Raghavendra Tirupathi, MD, Chambersburg A fellowship-trained infectious disease physician, Dr. Tirupathi practices with Keystone Health. He has brought infectious disease care, including HIV and hepatitis management, to his community. Dr. Tirupathi plays a vital role in working with local hospitals to implement Infection prevention and the meaningful use of antibiotics through antimicrobial stewardship. He is a member of the Chambersburg Borough Board of Health.

Jillian Ventuzelo, DO, Wyomissing

A family physician with PennState Health St Joseph, Dr. Ventuzelo is making a name for herself as a physician leader with a passion for medicine. She is the president elect of the Berks County Medical Society (BCMS) and is the youngest physician leader ever to be nominated to that position. She serves as this year’s chair for BCMS’ successful Residents’ Day and Memorial Lecture.

Shalini Vijaykumar, MD, Paoli

Dr. Vijaykumar is an endocrinologist practicing at Suburban Endocrinology Associates, part of Main Line Health. Colleagues view her as a caring, conscientious physician who recognizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to help patients with the types of systemic health problems often seen in her field. She is a strong advocate for a lifestyle approach to the management of diseases like diabetes, and her efforts have contributed to better health for her patients and her community.

Katie Warren, DO, Meadville

Dr. Warren is a neurologist with the Neurology Center of Meadville and Meadville Medical Center. She is an active medical staff member and leads physician task force meetings. Dr. Warren is involved with her community and offers education sessions on stroke and other neurological conditions. She is a strong advocate for physician colleagues in the area of physician wellness.

Kelly Williams, DO, Scranton

A fellowship-trained physiatrist with Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, Dr. Williams specializes in the practice of musculoskeletal ultrasound. She has presented at numerous conferences regarding the use of ultrasound diagnostics. Dr. Williams is dedicated to helping her patients find relief for their symptoms and believes in an integrative approach to healing.

Jason Woloski, MD, Wilkes-Barre

Dr. Woloski is a family physician with Geisinger Wilkes Barre-Community Medicine. He is an active physician leader, serving on the Board of Trustees for both the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Luzerne County Medical Society. Dr. Woloski is a participant in PAMED’s 2019 Year-Round Leadership Academy. He is also an assistant program director with the Geisinger Kistler Family Medicine Residency Program in Wilkes-Barre.

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The Pennsylvania Medical Society helps its 23,000 physician and medical student members return to the art of medicine through advocacy and education. Learn more by visiting www.pamedsoc.org or by following us on Twitter at @PAMEDSociety.